By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The distribution of one-time cash assistance to the second batch of rice retailers in Negros Occidental, compliant with the rice price ceiling, will be carried out today, September 21.

Department of Trade and Industry-Negros Occidental director Lynna Cardinal said more than 200 rice sellers in the province will receive financial aid at the Bacolod City Government Center.

The assistance will ease the retailers’ burden over the effects of the rice price ceiling.

Of the 200 rice retailers, 37 are from Bacolod.

Cardinal said most of the beneficiaries are registered with the Business Processing and Licensing Office in their respective localities.

She also assured that this wouldn’t be the final distribution of assistance.

It is also hoped that sari-sari store owners adhering to the rice price cap can also be included in the next payout.

At least 37 rice retailers in the first batch of beneficiaries have received assistance amounting to P15,000./DGB, WDJ